In the market for a new mixer? These best new models — all lighter, more efficient, and easier to store — are causing quite a stir.

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One Tough Cookie
In our test of eight models, the Cuisinart PowerSelect CHM-3 ($55) was the best at preparing cookie dough. It beat through thick, raisin-studded oatmeal batter with ease. What's more, its electronic sensor automatically boosts the power when it detects a heavy load. 800-726-0190; cuisinart.com.

Hate finding one attachment here, another there? The Hamilton Beach Performance Plus 62675 ($30) has a plastic case that snaps onto the body of the mixer, so you can organize all the pieces in one place. Plus, the heel can be used for cord storage. 800-851-8900; hamiltonbeach.com.

If you love to bake bread for the holidays, try the Sunbeam Mixmaster Heritage 2547 ($50). Its dough hooks kneaded a perfect loaf in our tests. And the base has a compartment for stashing attachments, making the model a close second in clutter busting. 800-458-8407; sunbeam.com.

Mixing is just the beginning. Make your masterpieces irresistible with these cool tools.

1. The Wusthof Gourmet Cake Knife ($65) is perfect for serving: One side is serrated to cut through cakes, the other is smooth to glide through decadent, creamy desserts. 800-289-9878; wusthof.com.

2. Plate your sweets with ribbons of raspberry sauce — just as fancy restaurants do — with the plastic squeeze containers from the Baker's Catalogue Double- & Triple-Tip Bottle Set ($10). They're also great for cake glazing. 800-827-6836; bakerscatalogue.com.

3. Check out the Wilton Cookie Pro Ultra II Cookie Press ($25) to create cute shapes. Fill the tube with dough and cap the end with one of 16 designs (including four minis). Then squeeze the trigger to form a cookie. 800-794-5866; wilton.com.